Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. announces appointment of new Chief Executive Officer and new global Directors

28 October, 2014 – Following the announcement of Barbados’ two new divisions of tourism – the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and the Barbados Tourism Product Authority (BTPA) – the BTMI is pleased to confirm the appointment of a prominent new CEO and an industry-leading team of global directors.

Mr William Griffith has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and commenced his role on 13, October 2014.

An industry veteran, Griffith brings his vast experience in tourism back to Barbados, having been a member of the leadership team in a number of hotel properties in both Barbados and Bermuda. Most recently, Griffith led the Bermuda Department of Tourism in the role of director of tourism, for a period of six years. Here Griffith was responsible for the direction and management of all operations within the organisation, including overseeing offices in the USA, Canada, UK, Italy and Germany.

Griffith holds a hotel management honours degree from the University of the West Indies, and was a senior manager with Sandy Lane Hotel, before moving to Bermuda and becoming president of the Bermuda Resort Hotels, managing the operations of four hotels in the group.

Griffith also served in several capacities in the tourism sector in Bermuda, including President of the Hotel Association, Chairman of the Bermuda Alliance for Tourism as well as on the Boards of the Bermuda College and the Government Golf Courses. Griffith was voted Bermuda’s Hotelier of the Year in 1997 and was also one of nine Barbadian residents in Bermuda, specially honoured for outstanding achievement, at the 30th Anniversary Independence Banquet of the Barbados Association of Bermuda.

Four new global directors have also been appointed to the BTMI.

BTMI former interim CEO, Ms Petra Roach, will now move to the position of director USA – having previously held the position of vice president, UK for more than 10 years. She will spearhead innovative marketing and sales campaigns for this important source market to contribute to the continued growth of tourism to Barbados.

Ms Cheryl Carter has been appointed BTMI director UK, moving from her previous role as vice president for Canada, a position she held for 13 years. She will be based in London this winter.

Mr Peter Mayers will become BTMI director Canada, after eight years as business and senior business development manager for the Barbados Tourism Authority in the USA.

The position of BTMI director Caribbean and Latin American regions will be undertaken by Ms Vicky Chandler, who is a marketing expert with more than 21 years’ experience with the Barbados Tourism Authority. Her previous roles included development manager in the US office.

Mr Alvin Jemmott, chairman of the BTMI said: “Our new CEO and team of global directors will work together to create a bold new organisation focused on keeping the island top of mind in the dynamic and ever-changing tourism industry. “The extensive experience and skills these individuals possess will help us to fulfil our goal of driving island tourism and increasing destination awareness. We very much look forward to welcoming them to their new roles for Barbados.”